Langworthy at the double as Mitres extend unbeaten league run

Bishops Cleeve ran out 3-1 victors after overcoming a tricky Bristol Manor Farm side at Kayte Lane on Saturday afternoon, writes Alfie Richmond.

Having been the league’s only unbeaten side this season, Cleeve looked to extend that run as they hosted Bristol Manor Farm — who themselves hadn’t lost in their last three matches. A positive result for the visitors could put distance between them and the relegation zone, while The Mitres aimed to close the gap at the top with their games-in-hand.

Cleeve started the brighter of the two teams, and inside just three minutes, Jay Malshanskyj had won the hosts a penalty. Will Turner did brilliantly well to win the ball back in opposition territory and set Malshanskyj on his way — he was caught by Nathan Goodwin-Worrell and the referee pointed to the spot.

Toby Holland stepped up and lashed home to give the hosts an early lead.

The Farm had a decent chance to get themselves level two minutes later when Abdoulie Tunkara’s effort from range was tipped over the bar by Lewis Clayton.

On 13 minutes the away side had another good opportunity to pull one back. Joshua Salmon drove through the midfield before laying off Thomas Blake, whose attempt trickled wide.

But it didn’t take long for The Mitres to grab their second. Some persistent work from Malshanskyj once again paid off when his cross found Ross Langworthy at the back-post — where the skipper headed home to make it 2-0 to the home side on15 minutes.

Bristol were determined to keep themselves in the game and created yet another chance in the 29th minute. Blake weaved himself past a couple of challenges and unleashed a strike from range that rattled off the bar.

The visitors were really knocking on the door, and had a goal ruled out on 35 minutes. Salmon’s curled effort was initially well saved by Clayton, but when Ryan Cainey tapped in the rebound, the official’s flag was raised — a warning sign for Bishops Cleeve.

Three minutes remained of the half, and this time Bristol made their pressure count. Salmon made a darting run down the right flank, and his cut-back found Blake — who thumped into an empty net to halve the deficit.

Despite taking an early two-goal lead, Cleeve were under the cosh at half-time and would need to improve if they were to deny the Bristol comeback.

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It was a better start to the second half for the hosts. Five minutes in, Holland found Malshanskyj, but Farm keeper Owen Crawford denied him at his near post.

Two minutes later, Cleeve regained their cushion. Ben Mclean and Holland exchanged a couple of passes before the latter’s effort was pushed away — but Langworthy was there to tap-in for his second of the afternoon.

On 55 minutes Cleeve looked almost certain to get their fourth when Malshanskyj rounded the keeper and nudged into what looked like an empty net — but Lenny Johnson’s sliding block denied the forward.

The third goal seemed to have taken the wind out of the visitors’ sails and with 20 minutes to go, Bishops Cleeve looked to have finally settled.

Substitute Stephen Davies had an effort tipped over the bar with two minutes remaining following a couple of corners from the home side — who had managed the final closings of the game excellently.

The final whistle was blown, signalling and confirming a hard-earned three points for The Mitres.

Attention now turns to Tuesday night, as Cleeve return to Kayte Lane to take on Melksham, ahead of a trip to Portishead next weekend. Bristol Manor Farm have a short rest period before hosting Bideford on Saturday, before hitting the road again to face Tavistock the following Tuesday.

Subs: Payne, Nelmes, Leeson (75’), Davies (63’), Jemmett-Hutson (68’).

Bristol Manor Farm: Crawford; Nicholson ©, Goodwin-Worrell, Tunkara, Hodgson, Nicholls, Bak, Cainey, Johnson, Blake, Salmon.

Subs: Wilson (71’), South-Thomas (71’), Williams (77’).

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Jay Malshanskyj (Bishops Cleeve)